Dental hygiene courses in northern VA, DC metro area?

My son came out from UT to go to NVCC to qualify as a DH, but has been badly advised, and now it looks like they won't even let him apply till Fall 2009. Anywhere else he can train around here (or online)? Thanks!

polly in Alexandria, Virginia said: My son came out from UT to go to NVCC to qualify as a DH, but has been badly advised, and now it looks like they won't even let him apply till Fall 2009. Anywhere else he can train around here (or online)? Thanks!

Allegany College of Maryland is a good school and there is probably no waiting list.

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond,VA and Old Dominion University in Virginia Beach,VA, and Howard University in Washington, DC has an excellent hygiene program.
Also Baltimore Community College has a hygiene program in Baltimore, MD there all competitive because so many people want the program but little to spaces but the Universities offer better entrance and qualifications for you degree.

"am in Washington," is the dental hygiene program still competitive even though it's only a certificate program? I'm trying to decide between NVCC and Howard bc of the location, and can't decide...nobody at the school returns my calls.

Ford said: "am in Washington," is the dental hygiene program still competitive even though it's only a certificate program? I'm trying to decide between NVCC and Howard bc of the location, and can't decide...nobody at the school returns my calls.

I dont believe it is a certificate program!

I'm sorry, I left something out in my post. I was referring to Howard University's dental hygiene program since "am in Washington" said it was excellent. On Howard's website, it says it's a certificate program. NVCC has an associate's degree program. Is it better to get a certificate from a University, or a degree from a community college?

I think all programs are degrees not certificates. I don't know about Alabama as they have their own. Make sure they are accredited and it's not uncommon to be put on a waiting list. Have your son apply through the official process and he may get in when someone drops and they always do. Even a couple weeks into it he may get a call.

Are dental hygienists responsible for their own health insurance or is it common place to have the employer (aka dentist) offer group plans? With some past medical history I am finding it hard to find individual plans without denial or outrageous premiums (planning to go through DH school and need insurance for that)

Anyone?

I graduated from Allegany DH program 2008. It is a 2 yr degree. Baltimore City Community College is a 2 yr degree as well. Howard U is a certificate. All 3 schools allow you to sit for the appropriate boards. All 3 schools are very full. You need to basically have all of your basic course out of the way to be accepted for the clinical portions as there are so many people wanting into the programs. Univ. Of MD offers a 4 yr degree for DH. Good Luck.

Thanks for your reply Kristen. Did you get a lot of job offers with your degree from Allegany? What kind of offers in pay did you get (if you don't mind me asking)?

Ortholove in Fairfax, Virginia said: Are dental hygienists responsible for their own health insurance or is it common place to have the employer (aka dentist) offer group plans? With some past medical history I am finding it hard to find individual plans without denial or outrageous premiums (planning to go through DH school and need insurance for that)

Anyone?

Usually you are on your own. I have been a licensed hygienist for 15 years and I have never gotten a paid holiday, let alone insurance. I know it is possible, but it is NOT the norm.

Ortholove in Fairfax, Virginia said: Are dental hygienists responsible for their own health insurance or is it common place to have the employer (aka dentist) offer group plans? With some past medical history I am finding it hard to find individual plans without denial or outrageous premiums (planning to go through DH school and need insurance for that)

Anyone?

It depends on the DDS. Some small practices don't offer insurance because some insurances companies won't carry just one person. It really depends on the DDS. If you go through the Dental society they may help you find an agency. I've done this once. Just to let you know if you need family it is going to be exspenive no matter if the DDS pays a portion. The best insurance comes from the hospital but good luck with that the pay is very low. I think the insurance in Va is way too much. When I worked in NY I paid $60 every 2 wks for a family. Now that's good insurance. But that was in a hospital and the pay was low.

Ford said: "am in Washington," is the dental hygiene program still competitive even though it's only a certificate program? I'm trying to decide between NVCC and Howard bc of the location, and can't decide...nobody at the school returns my calls.

As a dental hygiene student at Howard U Dental School ( I asked that same question 2yrs ago) i'd suggest you really think it through. Good luck with everything.

Hi BTGOG,

Do you mean I should reconsider getting in to dental hygiene in the first place? How do you like being a hygiene student at Howard? Do you think your certificate will be more competitive than a 2 yr degree from NOVA? I would appreciate any details/insight you are willing to share (especially things you dislike about dental hygiene that you didn't expect before enrolling, job search, and such).

Thanks

NO I was not suggesting you reconsider dental hygiene.

Not that long ago I was doing the same thing your doing posting an ad on a forum asking if I should go to Howard which is closer or down Va which is farther away--2hr ride transfer on 2 different buses and 2 different trains just to get to Va.

Howard is a 10min drive or a 20 to 30min bus ride for me transferring buses also--> This is how I made the decision. I don't know you but I don't want you to make this decision based on which school is closer when they are both metro assessable.

Is there one school that your prefer more than the other if so which one?

Somethings you mentioned like is a certificate better than an associates degree don't worry about that because either one will allow you to sit in for the national board exam.

And my dislikes would not be fair to you because it may discourage you and that is the last thing I would want to do. As a dh student I will not bad mouth the dh program I attend.
As for you I say go for it. I wish you much success.

YOU LIVE IN THE DMV AREA SO KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN GET TO BOTH BY METRO--MAKE A SMART DECISION WHICH SCHOOL IS BEST FOR YOU?
NOT WHICH LOCATION IS THE QUICKEST TO GET TO.

I capitalized the words for a reason I hope you get the hint.

Okay I see what you're saying, thanks for the advice BTGOG. I thought maybe since Howard is more prestigious than a community college it might look better on your resume? Plus I don't know if the quality of training is better there but I heard NOVA has a pretty good hygiene program. I enrolled in NOVA and am taking prerequisites so I can apply next year. I wasn't leaning towards one school more than the other and NOVA is closer and you get a degree so I chose NOVA.

If distance and money was absolutely not a factor, I wish I could go to VCU in Richmond instead since they have a BA program but it is really too far and I almost flipped when I saw they out-of-state tuition rates...I can't afford it!

Howard has an excellent dh program and excellent reputation. But, your in Va and going to school there is a better commute and plus you will be learning the same information just at different institution.

PS: Go to the schools and talk to the students that should give you insight into whether that particular program is for you--> Talk to them by themselves or if they're in a group. Just not in front of any instructors because they will not be able to speak open and honestly.

Ford in Alexandria, Virginia said: Okay I see what you're saying, thanks for the advice BTGOG. I thought maybe since Howard is more prestigious than a community college it might look better on your resume? Plus I don't know if the quality of training is better there but I heard NOVA has a pretty good hygiene program. I enrolled in NOVA and am taking prerequisites so I can apply next year. I wasn't leaning towards one school more than the other and NOVA is closer and you get a degree so I chose NOVA.

If distance and money was absolutely not a factor, I wish I could go to VCU in Richmond instead since they have a BA program but it is really too far and I almost flipped when I saw they out-of-state tuition rates...I can't afford it!

Oh PLEASE help me!! I am really interested in going to NOVA for the dental Hygiene program!!! but don't have a clue!... Also tuition is much higher than what I expected! around 12000$ for NOVA.
Can you please answer the following questions since you are experienced:

1 - How and when did you enroll in the prerequisite program? (did you email the dental hygienist teachers - or the counselor? When does the prerequisite program start?)

2- When did you apply to financial aid? Its January now and should I apply to financial aid right now? Will it pay for my prerequisite courses? (I graduated last year from high school then I took some time off)

Nobody is replying to my emails from NOVA :(

Doll in Alexandria, Virginia said: Oh PLEASE help me!! I am really interested in going to NOVA for the dental Hygiene program!!! but don't have a clue!... Also tuition is much higher than what I expected! around 12000$ for NOVA.
Can you please answer the following questions since you are experienced:

1 - How and when did you enroll in the prerequisite program? (did you email the dental hygienist teachers - or the counselor? When does the prerequisite program start?)

2- When did you apply to financial aid? Its January now and should I apply to financial aid right now? Will it pay for my prerequisite courses? (I graduated last year from high school then I took some time off)

Nobody is replying to my emails from NOVA :(

Hi, Do you ultimately want to work where NOVA is (is it in VA)? Look into the number of D.H.'s who pass the board there, and their employment situation after, esp....2009! Do you have a second choice as to a course of study? Pharmacy? Nursing? Please read further on threads from D.H.'s in the state(s) you want to practice in upon grad....gainful employment? No employment? Can they pay their bills and loans (back)? The field has an "over abundance" of new, older and recent grad's vying for the few openings in "practice", but if you want to pursue Administrative, sales....probably more work available in those areas. GL

Hey Doll,

There is no 'prerequisite program.' In order to take prerequisites, all you have to do is enroll and start taking classes. There are also some general education requirements that can be knocked out before you are accepted. If you have to choose a program of study for tuition purposes, you can just choose General Education.

You can start off by sending your high school transcript to NVCC MEC. View their Dental Hygiene Information Session:

www.nvcc.edu/depts/medical/health/dental/dnt_info/slide1.html

Also go here:

www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/info-session/dental-hygiene.html

Take a look at their Pre-Admission Checklist and Brochure.

I hope some of this helps. Sorry I can't help with your finacial aid questions. Good luck!

exp in Epping, New Hampshire said: Hi, Do you ultimately want to work where NOVA is (is it in VA)? Look into the number of D.H.'s who pass the board there, and their employment situation after, esp....2009! Do you have a second choice as to a course of study? Pharmacy? Nursing? Please read further on threads from D.H.'s in the state(s) you want to practice in upon grad....gainful employment? No employment? Can they pay their bills and loans (back)? The field has an "over abundance" of new, older and recent grad's vying for the few openings in "practice", but if you want to pursue Administrative, sales....probably more work available in those areas. GL

Thankyou GL! Your suggestions were very helpful! I really want to do dental hygiene - I did all my research here in the VA - but for some reason I am still really scared to take the final step and just get started! Virginia looks great for Dental Hygienist - Plus I know alot of dentists who are my family friends and they all encourage me.. But for some reason I am still in doubt - for all the reasons that you mentioned.

Ford in Falls Church, Virginia said: Hey Doll,

There is no 'prerequisite program.' In order to take prerequisites, all you have to do is enroll and start taking classes. There are also some general education requirements that can be knocked out before you are accepted. If you have to choose a program of study for tuition purposes, you can just choose General Education.

You can start off by sending your high school transcript to NVCC MEC. View their Dental Hygiene Information Session:

www.nvcc.edu/depts/medical/health/dental/dnt_info/slide1.html

Also go here:

www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/info-session/dental-hygiene.html

Take a look at their Pre-Admission Checklist and Brochure.

I hope some of this helps. Sorry I can't help with your finacial aid questions. Good luck!

Yes thankyou. You were helpful. I did all the info sessions and I even met with the counselor. Its just that everything seems so complicated to me! .. I really want to do it but I am a little scared too. Like what if I dont like it.. or what if I just cant do it (I am good in studies) But still... I dont know..
1- is the course hard? Do you dissect bodies? (I heard you dissect bodies)
2 - How long are the classes for each day?
3- how many students are in one classroom ?
4- Please dont mind me asking this but - do you work and study? Is that how you are paying for it or did you take a loan out? (the only reason I am asking this is because I dont know how to pay for it... financial aid will only cover tuition and SOME cost of books..)

sorry for asking so many questions! :(

Thanks for your reply

Doll in Alexandria, Virginia said: Thankyou GL! Your suggestions were very helpful! I really want to do dental hygiene - I did all my research here in the VA - but for some reason I am still really scared to take the final step and just get started! Virginia looks great for Dental Hygienist - Plus I know alot of dentists who are my family friends and they all encourage me.. But for some reason I am still in doubt - for all the reasons that you mentioned.

I'm looking at going into nursing at this point...graduated from VCU with my BS in DH in 2008, and the job market is just soooo bad with no sign of a let-up. There are too many hygiene schools with too many students being graduated - if I had had any idea, I certainly would NOT have chosen hygiene. It's important that you actually have a job to go to after graduation, and that's not the case. I'm still hearing about 2008 and 2009 grads who can't get jobs. I'm on the west coast now, and it's still a gigantic problem here, but I've been reading posts from all over the US lately, from the past couple years, and people with 20 years of experience can't find jobs, either. I haven't been employed since I moved out here 6 months ago, and I know that returing to VA won't help because there aren't any jobs there, either.
Even the 2009 ADHA Employment Survey showed a huge percentage of RDHs that WANT to be employed are without employment, and many are looking into new careers. I hate to be a downer, but I really wish someone had steered me clear of this mess. Now I'm looking at having to go back to school on more loans. Good luck, everybody!

Disappointed RDH in Medford, Oregon said: I'm looking at going into nursing at this point...graduated from VCU with my BS in DH in 2008, and the job market is just soooo bad with no sign of a let-up. There are too many hygiene schools with too many students being graduated - if I had had any idea, I certainly would NOT have chosen hygiene. It's important that you actually have a job to go to after graduation, and that's not the case. I'm still hearing about 2008 and 2009 grads who can't get jobs. I'm on the west coast now, and it's still a gigantic problem here, but I've been reading posts from all over the US lately, from the past couple years, and people with 20 years of experience can't find jobs, either. I haven't been employed since I moved out here 6 months ago, and I know that returing to VA won't help because there aren't any jobs there, either.
Even the 2009 ADHA Employment Survey showed a huge percentage of RDHs that WANT to be employed are without employment, and many are looking into new careers. I hate to be a downer, but I really wish someone had steered me clear of this mess. Now I'm looking at having to go back to school on more loans. Good luck, everybody!

oh my GOd!! wow! thankyou so much for you opinion! this really helps. I couldn't take dental hygiene and I was really sad because I missed all the dates that the things were actually due!! but now I am really grateful to God for saving me from pursuing a career that has no future (at the moment)!!!

Doll in Alexandria, Virginia said: Thankyou GL! Your suggestions were very helpful! I really want to do dental hygiene - I did all my research here in the VA - but for some reason I am still really scared to take the final step and just get started! Virginia looks great for Dental Hygienist - Plus I know alot of dentists who are my family friends and they all encourage me.. But for some reason I am still in doubt - for all the reasons that you mentioned.

If they can offer you employment as an R.D.H. upon, graduation and licensing...go for D.H., if not then go another route....it's rough in the market now, many in different stages of employment. See if you can work as a gopher in any of those offices to get a feel for what you want to do! GL

i am in kind of in a weird situation, i just did the prereq for howard U dental hygiene i had my interview i guess i did fine but still waiting for the acceptance letter from them does any of u guys know how long do thy take to send out letters and how u guys did if u did ur dental hygiene from howard U i m such impatient person and waiting is killing me but they hav a professor his name is Jonanthan he is soo good and very helpfull..........

Don't go to nvcc, the dental hygiene program is completely unfair. After you get in the program you are in your own they don't have tutor like others program. The grade method is completely unfair you need to look all the time your test and check over and over how your test was grade, some time computer doesn't count your right answer and to be honest you need every single point to be able to continued in the program, don't trust to your instructor they always talk bad or behind your back. test center is very unfair and you need to go with time, same day of test is risky and maybe you get a grade of 0. For the instructor you are the bad one. They don't help you they want you memorize and they don't care if you learn. Memorize for your test is the important. Personalty I did study there but it was my worst experience I do not recommended for study Dental Hygiene. I wish never apply to nova but I did and wherever I live unfortunate I will keep forever in my memory as my worst experience. Good luck if you decide for NVCC Dental hygiene.